Author's Notes: Well, somebody reviewed through e-mail and pointed out to me that light is 'hikari' not 'hikaru' Actually… yeah, it's supposed to be 'Hikarijin' instead of 'Hikarujin' but the latter looked somewhat stronger and tougher than the former. :sweatdrops: I thought it would be okay, because 'hikaru' is still related to light and brightness (to shine, something along those lines). Does that bother anyone? Should I change it to Hikarijin to make it more literally correct? Also, if you're miffed that this chapter took a while, just take a look at how long it is! Ehe… you do understand, don't you? So take your time reading and take your time reviewing. I don't think it's good for an author to beg, so me, I'm just asking nicely, with a 'please'. :grins: Yup, please review.

Disclaimer: Naruto and all those related stuff don't belong to me.

Between Light and Darkness

Chapter 2: All The Way Home

The streets of Konohagakure were bathed in the orange glow of the setting sun. Some of the shopkeepers were packing up, children were waving goodbye to their playmates, and not a few working individuals, including ninjas, were walking easily, on their way home.

Five young chuunins were making their way back to their own homes as well, after a full day of training. A darkly handsome boy led the way, a flower-like girl keeping up beside him. Several paces behind them, a girl with extremely long platinum blond hair was chatting continuously with two boys on either side of her; both the boy with the spiky ponytail and the well-rounded boy unable to get a word in. In contrast to their companion's loudness, the flower-like girl was talking in low tones to the handsome boy.

"Don't do that again, Sasuke-kun." The cherry blossom kunoichi's tone was just a hair away from sounding like a reprimand. "You can't be too hostile towards Naruto, not when Kakashi-sensei is around."

"………"

"Even though the Hatake family is traditionally Yamijin, they haven't been exactly participative in the last few generations. Kakashi-sensei hasn't any alliances except for that with Konoha, like many of the other senseis. He isn't going to make you any allowances." She frowned worriedly. "In the worst case, you'll get a misbehavior report in Hokage-sama's file."

"………"

"Sasuke-kun—"

He jerked his head backwards, to where the platinum blond girl's voice was trailing off, the three other teenagers looking curiously at the quiet pair in front of them. "Hey!" Ino chirped. "What are you two whispering about? You better not be trying to seduce Sasuke-kun, Sakura!"

"Hah, I'm waaaay ahead of you, Ino!" Sakura laughed. To Sasuke, she whispered: "We'll talk about this at home, okay?" He nodded shortly in response.

Ino, Shikamaru and Chouji walked faster to catch up with them. Ino elbowed her way in between Sasuke and Sakura, forcing them to step apart. "You're relentless, forehead girl! You already live with him, forcing him to be near you, and you're even clinging to him outside! Give him a break already!"

"Why don't you give it a break, Ino-pig?" Sakura smiled smugly. "As you said, we already live together! There's no way you can come between me and Sasuke-kun!"

Sasuke fell back, letting the two bickering girls walk ahead, and walked beside Chouji and Shikamaru.

"Tch. Damn noisy troublesome women," Shikamaru complained.

"Hn." Sasuke grunted.

"It must suck to be almost married to one," Shikamaru said to Sasuke. "And even worse that you have to be actually married to her in the future."

"Hn." Sasuke nodded.

Chouji just smiled benignly. "Those two, they attract so much attention."

"How can they not?" Shikamaru drawled. "You can hear them a mile away." Sasuke nodded once.

"No, even if they just stand there, all eyes are upon them," Chouji said. As if on cue, the two girls became quiet, nudging each other with an occasional giggle. "All those boys are looking at them."

"Where?" Sasuke demanded, his dark eyes darting at the young men around the street, many immediately looking away, but more still continuing to stare brazenly at both girls, despite the red-and-white paper fan symbol on the pink-haired girl's back.

"What?" Shikamaru was incredulous, his beady eyes casting looks around.

"Don't be so angry you two," Chouji smiled wider.

Sasuke's shoulders tensed. "If those Hikarujins…"

"Relax," Shikamaru told Sasuke, even though he himself was anything but relaxed. "What Chouji's saying is that boys are looking at them because," he grimaced, "they think those two are easy on the eyes."

"What?" Sasuke scowled. "What do you mean, 'easy on the eyes'?"

"Geez," Shikamaru muttered. "And they call you a genius."

A whistle. The five teenagers turned to the sound. Sitting on a stool at Ichiraku was a grinning Morino Idate. "Hey there, cuties!" He waved at the two girls. Sakura and Ino nudged each other and hurried away, laughing and shaking their heads. "Man, so pretty…" Idate followed them with his eyes. "Too bad one of them is already branded."

Sasuke glared at him. Idate felt the hostility and turned, meeting the Uchiha survivor's murderous look with a cheerful smirk. "And a good day to you two, Ouji-chan!"

"………" It seemed that Sasuke was trying to kill the older chuunin by looks alone.

"Don't waste your time with me now," Idate's cocky eyes looked up from beneath his messy dark hair. He jerked his thumb at the direction Sakura had gone with Ino, fan symbol peeking when her hair bounced with each step. "You might lose Oujo-chan."

Sasuke wrenched his eyes away from Idate. Up the road, Sakura was still giggling with Ino, ignoring the calls of a group of teenaged boys hanging around outside a tea house. I don't know those idiots, but I do recognize that at least half of them are Hikarujins. He ran up the road, closely followed by Shikamaru and Chouji.

They reached the girls, who were oblivious to the anxiety of their companions. Sakura exclaimed in surprise when Sasuke pulled her towards him by the wrist. At the same time, Shikamaru had grabbed Ino by the back of her shirt.

"Hey!" Ino cried angrily.

"Sasuke-kun, what's going on?" Sakura asked. He ignored her question and dragged her with him up the road.

"See you two tomorrow," Shikamaru said. "We'll take this other road home."

"Aa." Sasuke said, without turning around.

"See you!" Sakura waved at the trio.

Chouji waved back. Shikamaru nodded. Ino waved enthusiastically: "Bye Sakura, Sasuke-kun!" Then she turned to her teammates and screamed: "What's the big idea?"

Sasuke continued pulling Sakura with him. She fidgeted uncomfortably, "Sasuke-kun…"

"Those boys," Sasuke suddenly said. "Are idiots."

Much to his surprise, Sakura laughed. "I know! So many of them think the proper way of meeting and asking out girls is to act like shallow-minded fools." She shook her head and made a face. "Why don't they just try to introduce themselves properly and ask for a date politely? Aaah!"

Sasuke had yanked at her wrist, pulling her close to him. Glowering down at her, he said: "And you'll talk to a Hikarujin who does that?"

Sakura cowered. "I… I mean theoretically—"

"Theoretically, we're to destroy them in any way we can." He turned away and continued dragging her up the road.

"S-Sorry…"

Sasuke led Sakura into the alleys, picking the shortest route back to the Uchiha compound. The moment they stepped into a particularly dark and narrow passage between two large buildings, his neck prickled. He backed against a wall, shielding Sakura, and activated his Sharingan.

"Sasuke-kun…" A finger against her lips silenced her.

Three ninjas appeared at the end of each alley, only their eyes visible from the dark suits they wore. Sasuke startled and Sakura let out a small scream; all the ninjas had white eyes. The veins in their eye area popped.

Sasuke quickly formed several hand seals and hissed: "Katon: Goukakyuu no Jutsu!"

A large ball of flame spouted from his mouth and swallowed three of the enemies at one side. Before the flames could die out, Sasuke turned to the three Hyuugas and hurled shurikens at them. Naturally, they all dodged it. However, it did give him time to prepare for a more powerful jutsu.

"Katon: Karyuu Endan!"

Confined to such a narrow space, the dragon-shaped flame caught all of the other three enemies. Sasuke clasped Sakura's wrist and dragged her the other way.

"Sasuke-kun!"

The three ninjas attacked by Goukakyuu no Jutsu were all standing, covered in nothing more than minor burns. They moved into the Juuken stance, with the hand closer to the body clutching a kunai.

Sasuke cursed. They're all more powerful than I thought.

Tenten plopped on a cushion on the floor and dropped her elbows on the low table, her chin resting on her hands. She tilted her head and playfully inquired: "What's that?"

On the other side of the table, Haku looked up. He smiled and rolled up the scroll lying on the table, hiding its contents from view.

"Ooh…" She bounced excitedly on her seat, the trademark buns on her head almost bouncing too. "Now you're hiding secrets from me!"

"I have to, Tenten-hime," Haku said. "After all, this…" he indicated the scroll, "is my secret ninja scroll."

Her brown eyes widened, fawn-like. "Secret scroll?"

"Yes," he nodded. "Every ninja must have a secret scroll."

She scrunched her nose in a frown. "I don't have one."

"It's never too late to make one."

"I see…" Tenten's gaze dropped to Haku's secret scroll. "What do secret scrolls usually contain anyway? Instructions for secret jutsus?"

"A lot of times, yes…" Haku took the scroll and inserted it in the folds of his shirt. "But they could also contain the innermost thoughts and feelings of the ninja. Why I know this ninja named Konatsu (1), the only male kunoichi—"

"Hey!" Tenten cried. "What the hell? Kunoichis are female ninjas."

"Well," Haku shrugged. "He was brought up as a kunoichi, and never got used to calling himself otherwise. But he was a man alright, for he loved a certain woman, and loved her strongly. Her name was Ukyo, and he promised to protect her. His secret scroll said: 'I love Ukyo-sama, I love Ukyo-sama, I love Ukyo-sama…'"

A soft smile appeared on Tenten's lips. "I think that's sweet…"

"I think so too." Haku leaned on the table. "Ukyo too, promised to take care of him. So even though he protected her from enemies, in the end, she was the one who saved him instead of the other way around."

Tenten raised an eyebrow. "Why's that?"

"Konatsu hadn't had an easy life," Haku explained. "He never felt like he was worth anything, because nobody cared for him. But she did, and that made a lot of difference. Sometimes I think that… they were a lot like we are."

"The two of us? Really?"

"Yes…" His baby-brown eyes looked straight into her deep brown eyes. "Because I am your protector, meant to guard your well-being, but if it hadn't been for you caring for me, maybe I wouldn't have a soul."

Haku… She grinned, eyes squinted to halt her tears. "Then, does your secret scroll say 'I love Tenten-hime'?"

Haku grinned back. "Maybe."

"And, let me guess… 'I love Zabusa-san'?"

"Maybe."

"And Kimimaro-kun, and Kabuto-san?"

"If I told you," he patted his chest, where the secret scroll was. "Then it wouldn't be a secret anymore."

"Haku!" Tenten placed her hands on her hips. "You're being mean." She stuck her nose in the air. "Hmp. You might have a secret scroll, but I have a secret weapon."

"Really?" Haku said in mock surprise. It's that kunai she's always playing with, the one with a bead of glass in its handle. She never told me where she got the bead, maybe that's the secret part of it.

Tenten pulled out a kunai from the holster on her thigh. The kunai was very impractical, as the ring on its handle was blocked by a bead made of a glass-like material, with a small, vibrant desert rose preserved inside it. "You have no idea what this kunai can do, Haku." She tossed it in the air, light glanced off the bead and reflected multiple colors for an instant, before she caught it easily.

"Of course, you've never used it in battle after all."

"I'm saving it for the right time."

"Pray, tell me what it can do then?"

She tossed the kunai in the air again, the light flashing a miniature rainbow through the bead, and caught it, with the blade flat on her palm. "This kunai can…" a swift twist and she held it by the handle, "shatter the defenses of a tortured soul."

"Aaah!" Sakura cried as she dodged, the kunai one of the Hyuugas held narrowly missing her.

Dammit Sasuke had his hands full fighting the three ninjas that survived his fireball, that he didn't notice the other three moving in to attack Sakura. The Karyuu Endan hit them hard, but not hard enough. They're all chuunin-level at least!

He swiftly formed several hand seals. "Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!"

Two shadow clones appeared, each jumped over one group of enemies, distracting them from the real Sasuke who was caught in the middle with Sakura.

Shadow clones weren't meant to be matched against Hyuugas in a taijutsu battle. So both his clones cried out: "Katon: Karyuu Endan!" just as Sasuke picked up Sakura and ran up the wall. The enemy ninjas were caught between two of the flaming dragons.

"AAAAGH!"

Sasuke watched from above the wall, still holding Sakura. The flames died out. Two of the ninjas were down, but the other four had crater-like formations around their feet.

Kaiten Sasuke frowned. This is serious.

His shadow clones were promptly disposed of by two Juuken blows. The four ninjas ran up the wall, kunais raised, all targeting Sakura.

Sasuke set her down on her feet, waiting for her to stick her soles to the wall. "Run!"

"But—"

"RUN!"

Sakura ran up the wall. Sasuke pulled out three fuuma shurikens and strung wire through them with one swift motion. "Soufuushan no Tachi!" He hurled the shurikens at the Hyuugas. They dodged but Sasuke pulled back the shurikens and with the wire, managed to bind three of them together. The remaining one continued his advance.

"Shit!" Sasuke hissed when the enemy ran right past, ignoring him, running towards Sakura. The ninja tossed a lasso of wire and caught Sakura, pulling her off the wall and towards his waiting kunai. Sasuke released the three ninjas he'd caught and made a grab for the ninja who caught Sakura. All of them plummeted to the ground.

Bound as she was, Sakura landed with a thud. "Aah!"

Sasuke winced when he heard Sakura's cry of pain. He quickly pushed her out of the way when one of the ninjas swiped a kunai at her. They're so intent to wound her with those kunais! Why?

Another Hyuuga brought down his kunai, aiming for Sakura's shoulder. Sasuke quickly blocked it with his arm, the kunai blocked by his armguard.

"Sasuke-kun!" Two of the enemies jumped at Sasuke from behind, taking advantage of the opening.

Sasuke turned too late. Dammit

"Shousen Jutsu!"

Sasuke watched in disbelief when Sakura swiftly struck both ninjas at several points of their bodies, both her hands covered with chakra. They both fell to the ground, helpless. It's like their muscles were torn. His eyes widened as he looked at the twitching enemies. "What's that jutsu?"

"Sasuke-kun!"

He recovered and turned to the two remaining enemies. Their impatience getting the best of them, they both rashly rushed towards Sakura. Sasuke caught one of them in a kick and was about to punch the other one, when suddenly—

"Dynamic Entry!"

The Hyuuga was promptly kicked in the face by a green jumpsuited teenager and crashed against a wall. Lee landed on his feet and flashed them a blinding smile. "Alright there, Sakura-hime, Sasuke-kun?"

"Lee-san!" Sakura cried in relief. "Thank goodness…" The chakra in her hands faded.

"What are you doing here?" Sasuke asked rudely.

"Well, I was running laps when I heard my beloved cherry blossom scream," he gestured at Sakura who smiled faintly. "I did promise to protect her with my life, so here I am."

"I'm her protector," Sasuke spat at Lee.

"Yes," Lee nodded. He looked around at the fallen enemies. "I can see that." Lee's head dropped regretfully and he sobbed in an overly dramatic manner. "You are truly great, Sasuke-kun! You always beat me at protecting the lovely Sakura-hime! Maybe I should make you my rival, instead of Hyuuga Nej—"

"Don't say that name!" Sasuke growled. Lee started at the venom in his voice then looked around at the unconscious Hyuugas.

"I understand," the older boy said. "Only… Sasuke-kun, don't kill them."

I don't think they were trying to kill Sakura… Sasuke glanced at the enemies. However, they'll be sent again and… He clenched his fist and reached for his holster.

Sakura touched his shoulder gently. "Sasuke-kun…" He looked at her over his shoulder. She gave him a sweet but tired smile, her sea-green eyes beseeching. "Please… let's go home."

Sasuke looked at Sakura, then looked at the enemies. He nodded. He held her by the wrist and started to lead her out of the alley.

"I'll come with you," Lee offered.

"No." Sasuke said.

"It will be safer—"

"No."

"Don't you think—"

"No." His voice had a very final tone to it.

"Alright." Lee bowed at the retreating pair. "Please take care."

"Thank you, Lee-san." Sakura said softly, before she and Sasuke reached the exit of the alley and she was pulled out of sight.

"Next time, I'll kick that bastard's ass!" Naruto yelled, uppercutting the air. He stomped down the street, looking very confident indeed.

"G-Good luck, Naruto-kun," Hinata murmured, playing with her fingers. "You'll do better next time."

"You can bet I will, Hinata!" Naruto promised, grinning broadly at her. A smile lit up the Hyuuga heiress' face.

"Hah," came a snort from behind Hinata and Naruto.

Naruto stopped in his tracks and turned around. "What are you snorting about, Kiba?" He waved his fist in a threatening manner.

Kiba stopped in front of Naruto. His dog, Akamaru, sat and looked warily at the blond who seemed to be challenging his master. Shino, who was walking beside Kiba, stopped as well, silently watching the two other boys.

"Because you always say that, but you never manage to defeat that Uchiha bastard anyway!" Kiba sneered.

Hinata paused and looked worriedly at Naruto and Kiba who had butted heads with each other, gritting their teeth.

"Grr…" Veins popped in Naruto's forehead as he tried to push back Kiba.

"Rrr…" Kiba growled, pushing back just as fiercely.

"Ruff!" Akamaru stood up and poised to pounce.

"Stop it, you two."

Hinata and Shino both looked at Neji who had finally stopped walking. He had his back to them and was almost a block away, but there was no doubt he could see the tussle.

Naruto stuck out his lip and howled: "But Neji, Kiba was saying—"

"The truth." Neji interrupted.

Kiba made a triumphant noise and pushed Naruto away. Akamaru barked happily. The blond's shoulders slumped and he looked at Neji's back with wet, blue eyes. "U-waah—Neji!"

"Neji-niisan…" Hinata murmured.

"You always make promises to beat Uchiha, but you never manage to beat him anyway," Neji said. "You try to surpass him, but it's all just talk. You go after that strange-haired Yamijin bride of his, but she looks down at you. You make yourself look like a fool and you destroy the name of the Hikarujin."

Naruto dropped his gaze on the ground. Hinata's face was sad, and she touched Naruto's shoulder in a consoling manner.

Kiba frowned at Naruto. Akamaru whined. Kiba turned to Neji and said: "C'mon Neji, there's no need to say things like that…" His voice trailed off when Shino tapped his shoulder in a restraining fashion.

"Sorry, Neji," Naruto said quietly.

"Naruto…" Neji's low voice was barely above a whisper. "You know that most people are… they are not willing to place their faith in you, even those among our tribe are… Us here, we… we have given you our trust, so…"

"Yes, Neji." Naruto nodded. "I'll… I'll try my best. Seriously."

"That's the spirit!" Kiba cried, pumping a fist in the air. He punched Naruto's shoulder none-too-gently. "Then you'll beat that Uchiha bastard! That is, if I don't beat him first!" Akamaru barked in agreement.

"What are you talking about?" Naruto yelled back, his blue eyes blazing, a grin on his face once more. "I'll definitely beat him! And then I'll beat you!"

"Hah, you wish!" Kiba stuck out his tongue at Naruto, who blew a raspberry in retaliation.

Neji continued walking down the road, Hinata following him, smiling with relief as she listened to the bickering of the two boys walking behind her. Shino fell in step beside the two loudmouths, not joining in their chatter.

"Well, this is my street!" Kiba said. "You three take care of yourselves now. Let's go, Shino, you pass by this way!"

"Ruff!" Akamaru barked.

"Neji. Naruto, Hinata-hime." Shino nodded at them and followed Kiba and Akamaru who had turned right at the intersection.

Neji nodded at them and Hinata waved her goodbye. Naruto yelled loudly: "Bye, you two! Don't get your butts kicked on the way!"

"Hah!" Kiba yelled back. "That's my line!"

Naruto walked beside the cousins, Hinata in between him and Neji. He decided to treat the two to an extremely detailed anecdote of his ordeal at Ichiraku Ramen the other day.

"… And so I didn't know what to choose. The beef ramen smelled so good, its soup shimmering with the fat from the beef, and I knew the beef was tender, and would tear into chunks the moment I sink my teeth into it, its flavor having just a hint of sweetness…"

Hinata listened attentively to Naruto, nodding encouragingly, but Neji wasn't as patient and he tuned out the other boy. It's practically the same story every day. He'd say that he didn't know which kind of ramen to order, and he'd enumerate the kinds that particularly struck his fancy and then he'd describe them in great detail. Then he'd say which kind, or kinds, he picked and he would describe in even greater detail how he ate them. Neji sighed. That kid never eats anything else. Seriously, somebody should teach him a thing or two about taste.

While his cousin and his friend talked, he activated his Byakugan. He scanned the surrounding area, swiveling his head slightly to see everything. Nothing suspicious, but… His eyes shifted to the girl beside him. Things have been quiet. Too quiet. They haven't tried to ambush us in months. It's almost routine for there to be an attempt on Hinata-sama's life about once every month.

I can't let my guard down… Neji looked around again. I'm Hinata-sama's protector… as long as I'm here, I won't let any of those Yamijin cause any harm to her, not even the smallest scratch…

"—And that was the best miso ramen I've ever had!" Naruto declared, finishing his tale. Hinata smiled at him. "Well, I'm at home already!" He pointed at the dull-looking apartment building at the side of the street. "See you tomorrow—" the hand he was waving energetically dropped to his side when he saw the chakra veins around Neji's wary eyes. "Neji?"

Hinata turned to her cousin. "Neji-niisan?..."

Neji shook his head, but didn't deactivate his Byakugan.

"Neji," Naruto prodded. "What's wrong?"

The older boy shook his head again. "Nothing."

"Neji!" Naruto cried. Concern clouded his blue eyes and he looked down at Hinata. Then he looked at Neji resolutely. "I'll walk you guys home."

"Naruto-kun…" Hinata looked puzzled.

"There's no need," Neji insisted, but Naruto was not to be convinced.

"I'll walk you guys home." Naruto said again.

"Naruto…" Neji tried to stare him down. Naruto stared back, mouth set in a hard line. "Alright then."

With Hinata in between them, Neji and Naruto walked to the Hyuuga palace compound.

"That one, with the peachy-pink glow, it's your Star, right, Tenten-hime?" Haku peered at Tenten's face. "The Star of Earthbound Emptiness, is it?"

"Yes," she nodded, not taking her eyes off the sphere of light. The countless glowing pinpricks casted an ethereal glow upon her face, the golden-peach flush washed out by the pale tones of the light.

"And this one," Haku indicated a point with a lilac-tinted twinkle. "Is Kimimaro-kun?"

"That's right. Earthbound Rotation."

"I forgot which one is mine," Haku said sheepishly.

Tenten looked at him with mirthful incredulity. "Really now!" When he nodded, she raised an eyebrow. "Oh, you're not joking, huh?" With her kunai, she pointed at a pinprick which had an ice-blue glow. "The Star of Earthbound Peace." She smiled. "How appropriate."

The two of them were sitting on the thickly-carpeted floor of the luxurious bedroom of the biggest apartment in the palace, aptly called the Princess Chambers. Sitting with them on the floor were various tools and texts the Astrologer Princess used for her craft. Most prominent was an instrument that emitted a sphere of light. Tenten continued gazing at the sphere, a look of contentment on her face. Haku stared at the sphere.

Tenten called it the Celestial Sphere. Apparently, it was a model of the stars in the heavens (as seen from the earth), perfectly replicating their colors, positions and movements. It was projected from a much smaller sphere of crystal (the Astrologer's Crystal) cradled by an intricately crafted metal stand. When an astrologer molded his or her chakra into the instrument, the chakra was molded into pinpricks of light that represented the stars and other heavenly bodies.

Sometimes, I can't even differentiate one star from the other. I just know what those stars are called. How she makes sense of that confusing ball of light… Haku shook his head. It's rather wonderful, in a very bewildering way. They don't call her the Astrologer Princess for nothing. "It's confusing."

"Not really," Tenten said. She twirled the kunai in her hand, the lights of the sphere dancing on the glass bead in a very dazzling way. "Every movement means something, and also the portion of the sky they are seen. Like our Stars…" She pointed with her kunai.

"So close together," Haku said.

"Yes," Tenten said. "Also, the Astrologer's Crystal works with the chakra of the Astrologer using it, so that the points that show up especially bright… they are the stars that are connected to the Astrologer's star."

"So that's why your star is so bright." Haku looked at the sphere. "Tenten-hime, this is very bright," he gestured at an electric-blue point.

"Ah, yes. The Star of the Axis of Earth. It moves with no concern for those around it, as all the bodies bound to Earth move around it." Tenten had a look of disdain. "Look at this." The tip of her kunai touched a reddish-pink glow near the electric-blue one. "Because the Star of Heavenly Prison revolves around the Axis of Earth, she has no choice but to move with it."

"She?" Haku raised an eyebrow. "Because it's pink?"

"Umm… no. I don't know, I just feel that it's the star of a girl."

"This one too, is bright." Haku pointed. "It's almost as bright as yours!"

"Oh…" Tenten bit her lip when her eyes landed upon the star with a light that shone a pure white. "That's the Star of the Gates to Heaven."

"An augury of light!" Haku startled and looked at Tenten, baby-brown eyes wide. "Then that means—"

"Yes, it's the star of a Hikarujin." Tenten said quietly. She touched both points at once, and very thin threads of light appeared on the sphere. "The paths will tangle…"

The two of them fell silent.

Then in a very lively voice, Haku said: "Well, let's get this cleaned this up, shall we?" He indicated the mess of books, scrolls and instruments on Tenten's floor. "It should be about time for dinner." He reached for the bell rope beside the four-poster bed but Tenten stopped him.

"Don't call Amira," Tenten said. "I don't like letting anyone else touch my equipment." She started tidying up, stuffing her equipment in a large chest of drawers.

Haku watched her for a moment before saying: "So the maids can't touch them… but… how about me, can I help you?"

She gave him a small smile. "Of course you can."

Haku gathered books and scrolls in his arms and placed them neatly in a drawer. He was about to get more when he saw Tenten looking out the glass doors that led to the balcony. "What is it, Tenten-hime?"

"Horses," Tenten said. "They just came over that large dune, very close to the fortress, and approaching fast." She pressed her nose against the glass. "I see a white horse."

"Visitors?" Haku speculated.

Tenten shrugged. "Maybe, but that's unlikely." She turned back to her equipment.

It took them a while to put away the equipment, as Haku insisted upon sorting them and arranging them neatly. When they finally finished, they left the bedroom. They stepped into the lounging room when the door on the other side flew open with a bang.

"Kimimaro-kun?" Both of them looked questioningly at the white-haired boy.

Emerald eyes shifted from Tenten to Haku. "What are you doing here?" Kimimaro demanded, glaring at Haku.

"I was with Tenten-hime," he waved his hand towards the bedchamber.

They had been acquainted with the normally impassive boy long enough to be able to read minute changes in his countenance. The way Kimimaro's shoulders tensed and the flash in his green eyes told them he was going to explode.

"WHY WERE YOU WITH HER?" Kimimaro roared.

Tenten and Haku winced. The dark-haired boy opened his mouth to speak but Tenten nudged him. "Kimimaro-kun," she said. "Haku was just keeping me company."

Kimimaro turned to Tenten, distress evident in his green eyes. "Yes, Tenten-hime, but you have your maids-in-waiting for that."

She pouted. "I prefer Haku…"

"I know," Kimimaro said. "Just that… not in the Princess Chambers. There are many sitting rooms in the palace proper… or there are the gardens, or…" he paused, then continued in a calmer manner: "You can't have his company in your chambers, especially not in your bedchamber. It's just… It's just not right."

Tenten nodded in acquiescence, but Haku pointed out: "But you too, you're in her apartment. And you were going to her bedroom."

Kimimaro squared his shoulders and glared at Haku. "I was merely going to call her."

"Why were you going to call me?" Tenten asked, before an argument could break out.

"Kabuto-sensei is here," Kimimaro said. "And he has visitors over for dinner."

Tenten and Haku exchanged surprised looks. They all walked to the main sitting hall, Tenten flanked by the two boys. The silver-haired, bespectacled Kabuto was sitting on one of the two loveseats on either side of the center table. Three unfamiliar people sat on the sofa in front of the table.

"Tenten-hime!" Kabuto stood up and bowed. "Kimimaro-kun, Haku-kun… good, you're all here now."

With dainty movements, Tenten sat on the empty loveseat, her hands lying composed on her lap. Kimimaro and Haku sat on the poufs on either side of the seat.

"Please stand up," Kabuto told the strangers. "I will introduce you to our beloved princess."

The only girl in the group, one with mustard-colored hair pulled into unruly pigtails, snorted. How undignified. Tenten delicately wrinkled her nose in distaste. "What if we don't want to?" The stranger girl said in a coarse voice.

Tenten bristled. I don't like her!

"You will stand up," Kabuto said in pleasant tones, the lenses of his glasses glinting in an unwholesome manner.

"Sorry, my sister doesn't like being ordered around," the guy in a black costume and red face paint said. "Actually, that runs in the family."

Haku's hands moved to the first seal of his attack. Kimimaro extended his hand and a long blade of bone shot out from it, stopping short at the base of the black-clothed guy's throat. "You'll stand up for Tenten-hime."

The smallest person in the strange group, a boy with red hair, looked at Kimimaro, as if sizing him up. Kimimaro stared right back.

The boy stood up, much to the surprise of his comrades. "Gaara?" The girl gaped. The other guy had a look of total disbelief. Kimimaro withdrew his sword and Haku relaxed.

"Stand up, you two." The red-haired boy, Gaara, said. His comrades, though they were bigger and looked older than him, complied.

"Good." Kabuto smiled benignly. He pushed the glasses up his nose. "Now, Sand nins, this is Tenten-hime, lovely princess to the noble people of the Yamijin." He gestured at Tenten, who nodded slightly. "And those two young men beside her are her loyal protectors, Kimimaro-kun and Haku-kun." Haku smiled, but Kimimaro just stared. "Tenten-hime, Haku-kun, Kimimaro-kun… these are the children of Sunagakure's Yondaime Kazekage."

"This is the eldest, Temari-kun." The girl lifted her chin haughtily. Tenten fixed her a look of utter disdain. "The second child is Kankurou-kun." The black-suited guy with red face paint raised a hand in greeting. "And this," Kabuto gestured at the red-haired boy in the middle. "This is Gaara-kun." Gaara just stared coolly at Kimimaro, who returned the look.

"As you know, we Yamijin have a long-standing secret alliance with the Sand," Kabuto said.

Kimimaro rolled his eyes. "Sunagakure was founded by members of the Yamijin who ran away during the last big war." Temari and Kankurou glared at him, but he ignored them.

Well, yes…" Kabuto nodded. "Anyway, Kazekage-sama, in a gesture of friendship, sent his own children to be of service. They will fight for us. In the meantime, they will stay here in the palace, and help defend Tenten-hime."

Tenten started. More guards? People to defend me? Or to ensure that I stay here?… She looked down at the floor.

Kimimaro shook his head vehemently. "No."

Haku nodded. "I agree with Kimimaro-kun. This can't be."

"Why?" Kabuto asked.

"We're Tenten-hime's protectors," Haku said. Kimimaro nodded. "We don't need anyone else."

Do they really think Haku and Kimimaro-kun aren't enough? Tenten looked alternately at the two boys on either side of her.

"I think you don't understand," Kabuto said, in a voice used for addressing very young children. "These were the council's orders."

The council… Tenten touched her lip. Those who inherited Orochimaru-sama's will… is this what my brother wishes for me?

"No." Kimimaro said.

"The situation—"

"No."

No, don't argue anymore… Tenten closed her eyes.

"Hey!" Temari cried. "Pretty boy, it's not like we want to—"

Kimimaro had pressed his bone blade against her throat. "Don't talk to me."

"Hey!" Kankurou protested, poised to attack. Haku had his hands in a seal again. Gaara just stood there, looking bored.

Stop! Tenten stood up.

"Please!" She stomped her foot imperiously. Everyone looked at her. "Kimimaro-kun, please put away your sword." The boy did as he was told, and Temari backed away, not wanting to be targeted again. "Haku, please." The other boy lowered his hands. "It was very generous of Yondaime Kazekage-sama to send Temari, Kankurou and Gaara to help us. Don't be rude. At least, show respect for the Tribal Council. Kabuto-san's just following their orders." She turned to Kabuto. "Isn't that right, Kabuto-san?"

The bespectacled young man nodded. "Exactly, Tenten-hime."

"They can stay here," Tenten looked at the Sand nins. "But I'm sure that Haku and Kimimaro-kun are the only companions I need."

"And I must tell you that Temari, Kankurou and Gaara have a mission different from yours, and they will often find themselves away from the fortress." Kabuto smiled. "They're not here to take Tenten-hime away from you. So please, Kimimaro-kun, Haku-kun. Let's not be so hot-headed, okay?"

"Hn," Kimimaro grunted.

"Okay," Haku said brightly. "Temari-kun, Kankurou-kun and Gaara-kun will be joining us for dinner, right?"

"Yes," Kabuto said. "I think we should go to the dining room right now." He gestured for Tenten to lead the way, so she walked, Kimimaro and Haku right beside her.

"Did you come on horses?" Haku asked the siblings.

"Yeah," Kankurou replied.

"That's right," Kabuto interjected. "Gaara-kun has a white horse. You want to see it later, don't you, Tenten-hime?"

"Yes," Tenten murmured. She looked over her shoulder at the boy named Gaara. His pale blue-green eyes looked startling against his red hair. Such tormented eyes… She clutched at her holster, her knuckles turning white. Perhaps… She shook her head. No, impossible…

Many of the houses had been boarded up and badly needed maintenance, left in neglect. The others remained in use, clean, but sparse, decorated only by symbols of red and white paper fans. None of their original residents remained. They were now inhabited only by the ninjas meant to follow and protect the sole inheritor of the entire compound and the girl intended to stay by his side; a young master and mistress to a ghost clan.

Said young mistress walked beside the stoic young master, trying not to think of the history behind the silence of the Uchiha compound. Their light footsteps resonated in the still night air as they proceeded through the dreary streets, made to look even more desolate by the faint, cold glow of the rising crescent moon. The pale light washed out the bright pink shade of her hair, making it look as gray as the rest of the surroundings. She could see eerie-looking shadows out of the corner of her eye, and her hand reached for the dark-haired boy, but hesitated, before falling limply to her side. They finally reached the center of the compound, the flight of one hundred steps that led up to the Uchiha Palace. They climbed, unhurried.

Three figures were waiting just outside the door of the palace. They all straightened up just as the pair appeared at the end of the palace path and walked to the front doors.

"Welcome back, Sasuke-sama, Sakura-hime," Dosu Kinuta said in an almost mechanical voice, bowing.

"Good afternoon, Dosu." Sakura nodded at him.

Dosu nudged his companions, a spiky-haired boy with a sour face and a scowling girl whose black hair almost reached the floor. "Zaku, Kin."

"Welcome back," the girl, Kin, muttered as she bowed. Zaku grunted and bowed as well. Sakura nodded in greeting, but Sasuke ignored all of them.

"Dinner is ready," Dosu said. Sasuke walked right past him, followed by Sakura, and the three other ninjas shuffled after them. Sasuke led the silent walk to the dining area. The elegant halls and walkways had the same spirit of dreariness as the rest of the empty compound, the only other presence being the quiet servants who did their best to stay out of the way.

There was a time when the palace bustled with life… Sakura looked sadly at the courtyard, which still looked cheerless despite the many bright paper lanterns strung around it. It wasn't so much the number of people, or the appearance… it's almost the same, but the feeling… it's different…

The dining hall was done in a very traditional style. Long, low tables of shiny black wood were lined in rows, their sides lined with red cushions. Tatami covered the entire floor. It was huge, as it had accommodated the entire clan, when there was still a clan.

Today, only five places were set up, two in the head family's table, and the others in the table at its left.

"So, Kabuto-san hasn't come back yet?" Sakura asked.

"Not yet," Dosu replied. "He did say he'll be gone for at least a week."

"What about Anko-san?"

"Anko-sempai said she'll be with the other senior jounins," Dosu answered. "They have a meeting, and she might not be back until tomorrow."

"I see." Sakura dropped her gaze to her feet. It's too… quiet, without Anko-san…

Sasuke took his place at the end of the head family's table, Sakura at his right, and Dosu, Kin and Zaku took their places in the other table.

Without preamble, Sasuke picked up a riceball and bit into it. He also helped himself to a whole fresh tomato.

Sakura surveyed the food on the table and suppressed a sigh. Riceballs, rice, raw vegetables, miso soup, shrimp tempura. So… basic. When I don't leave instructions on what to cook, the cooks will almost always serve the same things. Sasuke never cares about the food… "Itadakimasu," Sakura murmured quietly and broke her chopsticks. She piled tempura on her plate and broke the tails off them. She poured some sauce into a tiny bowl. She swapped the food-filled plate with Sasuke's empty plate.

When he finished his riceball and tomato, he broke his chopsticks and ate the tempura. Sakura had helped herself to some tempura and vegetables, but they were mostly uneaten. She pushed them around her plate, occasionally taking small bites.

Sasuke scooped miso soup into his bowl, and drank it straight from the bowl. "Sasuke-kun." He looked warily at Sakura. Is this going to be a lecture about table manners? "About Kakashi-sensei and Naruto…"

He finished his soup and set down his bowl beside hers. "I know," he said, picking up another riceball. "I shouldn't have lost my temper. It won't happen again."

"You said that the last time," Sakura murmured. "You can't seem to help going overboard even if they're just training exercises."

"………"

"You shouldn't be beating up Naruto too hard."

"I said it won't happen again."

Sakura looked down at her half-eaten food. "Alright."

"………"

"That's…" Sakura almost protested when Sasuke picked up her bowl by mistake. That's mine… He filled it with miso soup and plunked it down in front of her. Sakura blinked.

Sasuke stood up and left the dining hall, eating his riceball. Sakura quickly drank her soup. I don't want to be left with them… She glanced at the trio sitting on the other table. She ate two pieces of tempura and stood up. "Dosu."

"Yes, Sakura-hime?"

"Please tell Misha to send tea and cakes to my room."

"Yes, Sakura-hime." When Sakura had stepped out of the dining room, Dosu rolled his eyes. Brats, both of them.

"You're home!" Shizune exclaimed when Neji and Hinata stepped through the front doors of the Hyuuga Palace. She ushered them inside, leading them through the huge halls. "Hiashi-sama is in the north wing sitting room. You'll have dinner there."

"Shizune-san," Neji looked at her out of the corner of his eye. "Don't the senior jounins have a meeting?"

"Ah, that…" Shizune scratched her head. "Well you see, I'm… I'm excused. Sandaime Hokage-sama excused me from the meeting."

Strange…Neji glanced at her dubiously, then looked away. But it's none of my concern.

"We're here," Hinata said softly when they entered the sitting room.

Hiashi-sama sat on a cushion at the head of a short, low table. Hinata's younger sister, Hanabi, sat at his left. Neji, Hinata and Shizune all bowed.

"Good evening, Chichiue." Hinata murmured.

"Good evening, Hiashi-sama." Neji greeted.

"Good evening, Hiashi-sama." Shizune echoed.

"Good evening," Hiashi nodded.

Hanabi stood up and bowed. "Good evening, Neesan, Neji-niisan, Shizune-san."

"Shizune-san," Hiashi said. "I would like to speak with my daughters and my nephew in private."

"Yes, Hiashi-sama." Shizune bowed and exited, sliding the door shut after her.

Hinata sat at her father's right and Neji sat beside her. Hanabi poured both of them some tea. "Dinner will be in a while," Hanabi said when she noticed Neji's eyes wandering around the tea table surreptitiously. "Chichiue wants to talk to us first."

Neji nodded and turned expectantly to his uncle. Hiashi cleared his throat. "As you know, the tribal council will be held less than two weeks from now. I would like to remind you to prepare for it. Be especially presentable, as this council will be a little different from others."

"How so, Hiashi-sama?" Neji inquired.

"These were not supposed to be discussed before the council," Hiashi said. "They are top-secret information. But I think I should give you a brief account."

The younger Hyuugas exchanged tense looks. Hanabi frowned. "Chichiue, what is it?"

"As you know, history states that the ancient Yamijin leader might be resurrected after a thousand years. If he is resurrected, he means to stir the war into the same intensity it had from a thousand years ago, before he and Tsunade-sama died." Hiashi cracked his knuckles. "A war that is unlike any other…"

Neji's eyes narrowed. Hiashi-sama never cracks his knuckles. What is going on?

"That time is now, Orochimaru-sama's resurrection draws near. And the person that will resurrect him, the Gift, might have already been found."

Hinata drew her breath sharply. Just as Hiashi was about to continue, Neji started at a minute noise outside the door.

Shtick! Neji promptly flung a kunai that tore right through the paper paneling of the door. All four of them scrambled to their feet and ran outside.

The kunai was embedded on the wall across the hall. Neji cursed under his breath. We were careless! He pulled it out. One side of the blade was stained with blood.

Hinata trembled. Hanabi looked around fiercely and yelled: "Show yourself!"

Hiashi patted his daughters' shoulders. "Do not shout, Hanabi." To Hinata, he said: "I am sure that it was just a servant. It must have been scared of Neji. Do not worry."

But the look he gave Neji said otherwise. Neji nodded slightly. I will find out who it was.

"Kin!" Sakura screeched.

One of the double sliding doors of the Mistress' Apartment flung open and the pink-haired girl stomped out, green eyes livid.

The door across the hall slid open and Sasuke leaned against the doorframe. "… What is it now?"

The girl stood in the hallway, pink hair sticking out in all directions, and clad haphazardly in a yukata, one sleeve falling off to expose the strap of her chemise. "Sasuke-kun!" Tears welled in her lower lashes. "My ivory jewelry box is missing!"

The dark-haired boy snorted in disgust and shut the door of the Master's Apartment. Sakura's tears dropped on the corridor floor. "KIN!" She screamed again.

Dosu, Kin and Zaku appeared at the end of the hall. They walked towards Sakura, their heavy footsteps thudding on the wooden flooring.

"What is it, Sakura-hime?" Dosu inquired in a carefully controlled voice.

"Where is that ivory box?" Sakura cried, green eyes accusing the girl, Kin.

The perpetual scowl on Kin's face darkened. "What box?" She spat.

"You know what I'm talking about!" Sakura yelled. More tears fell. "Don't you dare pretend!"

"I don't know what you're talking about!" Kin yelled.

"Give back that box!"

"Why is it that when you lose something you always accuse Kin?" Zaku challenged.

"Because they always turn up with her, that's why!" Sakura retorted. Tears now rolled freely down her cheeks.

"Tch!" Zaku looked away, annoyed by her tears.

"Don't cry," Dosu said. "It will turn up."

"With her!" Sakura pointed at Kin.

Dosu muttered in exasperation, turning to Kin. "Open your pack."

"What?" Kin yelled.

"What?" Zaku yelled as well. "You're supposed to be on our side, not with those spoiled brats…"

"I'm not on anyone's side," Dosu lied. Geez, I just want this stupid bitch to shut up already. "Open that belt bag, Kin."

Grudgingly, the girl unzipped the huge belt bag around her waist. A finely-crafted white jewelry box was inside.

Sakura snatched it. "See!" She opened the box and pulled out the trays, looking at the deepest layer. It's there, thank Kami! She gasped with relief, closing the jewelry box. Then she turned to Kin. "Don't you ever touch my things again!"

Before Kin could retort, Sasuke's door slid open. His dark eyes were furious and he looked directly at Kin. "Yes. Don't you ever touch Sakura's things again."

"Sasuke-kun…"

"I hate all the shouting and yelling and crying. If this happens again, I'll hang the three of you. Don't annoy me." The door slid shut.

Kin smirked. "Glad to know the Prince cares so much for you, Sakura-hime."

Sakura ran to her room and quickly shut the door. She fell to her knees and buried her face in the sleeves of her robe, quickly soaking the silk with tears.

I am so sick of this place! She looked up in despair, sending out her prayer at the elaborate, hand-painted mural on the ceiling, the patterns of bamboos and flowers blurring as her eyes filled with tears again. If I stay any longer in the UchihaPalace, I'll, I'll… She buried her face in her sleeves again, and she cried. After her sobs died down, she stood up, threw down her robe and walked across the sitting room, the box cradled in her hands.

She opened the door to her bedroom and stumbled in. She fell on all fours and crawled on the tatami, pushing the box in front of her. Finally reaching her futon, Sakura collapsed unto it, clutching the box close to herself.

She opened the box and removed all the trays. At the bottom layer was a simple necklace, a crystal held in place by two beads and strung through a simple black cord. She picked it up.

I should have been wearing this, keeping it with me all the time. It's too dangerous even to hide it, knowing the companions we have in this house… She shuddered. Quickly, she put the necklace on, tucking it under her chemise, the crystal nestled between her breasts.

I don't want to be here… Please take me away…

The prayer died on her lips as she fell asleep.

'You're unhappy…'

She nodded. "Yes." She shivered. It was very cold. She hugged herself, trying to warm herself. "I don't like it here."

'I'm sorry.' The voice was mournful. 'I should never have left you there alone.'

She shook her head. "It's not your fault."

'It is.' A pause. 'Please try to smile at least, my little cherry blossom princess. Sadness doesn't become you.'

'It will be better. I promise.'

Sakura woke up with a start. A dream?

She clutched her chest, and felt the coldness of the crystal pendant on her skin. It's here.

She looked around the room. It was dark. Who turned off the lights? I didn't do that, did I? But a stream of soft light fell upon her, through the open window, and a wind blew into the room.

That's why it was so cold… Sakura crawled out of bed and took a step towards the window but then she heard a sound from outside it.

Fwoosh

She froze, her wide green eyes staring at the faint fingers of light stretching across the deep scarlet of the dawn sky. What was that? She could hear her heart thudding in her ears and she had goosebumps all over her skin. She took another step towards the window.

'Don't get up when you hear strange noises in the night.'

She jumped back unto her futon and under the covers, crawling into a ball and huddling the blankets close to her. She squeezed her eyes firmly shut. That's right, don't get up when you hear strange noises. Just go back to sleep, go back to sleep…

Repeating the mantra over and over in her head, her eyelids eventually became heavy and fluttered shut.

'Just go back to sleep.'

(1) Yes, it's a Ranma 1/2 reference.

Author's Notes again : I am hoping that this trend of chapters getting longer won't last, or else I'd have to take a longer time between updates. But there we go, more character interaction in Konohagakure, showing how matters stand between the two tribes. There was also an appearance by Astrologer!Tenten (which is based upon canon!). I know I've been focusing on the Yamijin more than the Hikarujin, but don't fret, this is temporary. When I manage to move the characters to their proper places, it will be more balanced.

Oh, one more thing, I know many are waiting for several things (like the moment that Neji and Tenten will finally meet), but I would just ask all of you to be patient, I will take a while before going into that. As tempting it may be to push Tenten back to Konohagakure in an instant, I'd rather take my time setting up things properly. The last thing I want is for you readers to feel cheated, with me cramming down certain things down your throat without developing them even a bit. Because even though a lot of things in this chapter don't seem necessary now, believe me, they are.

Well, review please, especially if you're interested in seeing more.

animEvivvErz Thank you. Characters are actually my favorite part of stories and story-writing. HimeHikari Yes, NejiTen does rule. driretlenj17: Oh my… is that a challenge? (Saying it's not cliché so far.) :winks: Well, I'm not the type to back out of a challenge! Amaterasu-chan Well, I would write more, if I had all the time! Unfortunately, I don't. Anyway, yes, Astrologer!Tenten is actually canon after all, and 'make' Tenten strong? I don't have to—she's strong, I'll just have to show that! Jays Arravan: Thank you. As for the Akatsuki question—I shouldn't spoil my own story, now should I? Heheh. FireDragonBL Yes, the Aburames are part of the Hikarujin. babykitty2270: Thank you, I love those ships too, so I'll definitely write for them! raiden no onna: Thanks, hope you read on. The Gandhara: Well, timeskips do that… and well uh, it's really meant to be confusing now, but do read on! Byakugan VS Sharingan: Thanks, I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Tenshi no Hana-chan: Ah, SasuSaku isn't SasuSaku without the issues and problems and seeming uncaring. I hate fanfics that suddenly jump into fluffy romance—development counts! Good things come to those who wait, hehe! scorpion05: Oh, you know I can't answer anything! You'll have to read on! pink-writer: Well, I'm glad you're as excited as I am! There are lots of things I have planned out for this fic! Taiyoukai Lady: Yes, thanks, and you keep on reading, okay? yas Yassy! XD I know you're into SasuSaku… so at least they're in the same place already in this fic, unlike the other pair (NejiTen). saishenoyama Well, all I have to say is read on to see what happens! The relationships here are going to have angles all around and will be heart-wrenching! YingYang-chan Oh no, you misunderstood—Sasuke could be a little jealous, but Neji was definitely not, he was angry that a Hikarujin (Naruto, who is also his friend) was being friendly to a Yamijin (who just happens to be Sakura). NejiSaku is on my no-no list. some random person: Well, just read on. Tenten is going to start moving in the future. Sakura-Girl 2005: Thanks, do read on. XxUchiha SakuraxX: My, you sound excited. KaiKaiCutieHere's the update, please review. Little Minamino: Why thank you, happy reading! Nica Yarra: Well, thanks for reading and I appreciate that you noticed details like that!